The word "prodigal" refers to someone who is wastefully extravagant; in other words, it describes a person who spends money or resources freely and recklessly without considering the consequences. It can also relate to someone who has returned after a long absence, particularly in a context of forgiveness or redemption.
The term "prodigal" originates from the Latin word "prodigus," which means "wasteful" or "reckless." The word has been used in English since the 14th century, often in the context of the biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son, which tells the story of a young man who squanders his inheritance and ultimately returns home seeking forgiveness.